You're Not Qualified - A Podcast

Life gets in the way of our goals all of the time. We can't always be fully committed to all of our goals and aspirations - we also have commitments and.. well.. life. What is important, is that you honor the time your life needs, and the time your goals need, even if the amount you give to each category varies depending on your season of life. The key is consistency. Progress over perfection. Just get back to where you left off. The trail, the road, the mountains... they will all be there for you when you are back. And YOU will be there for you, present and ready to take it on again. Sean Robinson is back to talk all about his journey with navigating training, and life, and consistency. All that matters is you keep going. Find Sean: Buy his book: "Going Dry" IG Website YouTube Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube

Understanding how you want to challenge yourself, grow, and contribute to the world are not easy decisions. Discovering your purpose is not something that typically happens overnight. This episode is designed to inspire you to find what sets your soul on fire and sprint after it, and there was no better person to explore this with than Cole Williams. Ms. Williams is a singer, songwriter, and founder of The Greater New Orleans Citizens Relief Team, a grassroots organization using citizens' rights to reclaim and renovate blighted properties with the houseless people that will live in them, while teaching marketable skills. Find something you are good at, that you love, and serve others. You will find your purpose. Find Cole: Greater New Orleans Citizens Relief Team Cole Williams Band Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube

You need to go after it, and there is a good chance you will fail. There is also a good chance you will THRIVE. Most likely, you will fail. But after listening to this episode, you will pick the pieces back up and try again and again. Don't be afraid to fail - be afraid to never try. In this conversation with Antone Wilson, Courtney dives deep into what it means to be successful, and what it means to push the boundaries of what you beleive to be possible. If you've been yearning for a reset, this is the episode for you. You said tomorrow yesterday. I believe in you, so you should believe in you. Find Antone: Website Medium (Blog) LinkedIn Find Courtney: Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube

How can we, as individuals, discover our destiny? How can we overcome limitations that are set in the way of pursuing that destiny? How can we live our lives to the fullest and embrace our unique selves? Dive deep wtith Sid Mohasseb and Courtney as they talk through these questions and many other thought provoking topics, to help you on your journey to loving the individual and unique YOU, and going after your dreams. Whether this chat helps you get over the hump to tackle physical limitations, or encourages you to seek out new ways of thinking through mental blocks, I hope it HELPS. Thank you for being here. Go do that thing. Find Sid: About Sid Recent Articles TEDx Talk 2022 - Are You the Art TEDx Talk 2011 Books: - You Are Not Them - The Caterpilla's Edge Adjunct Professor at USC Advisory Services Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube

Life's toughest challenges mold us in profound ways. They have the power to shatter our spirits and throw monumental obstacles in our path. Amidst the rubble, the journey to rebuild takes various forms - relocating to unfamiliar cities, embracing new learning at school, or venturing to conquer the Seven Summits, where the pursuit of personal strength becomes a transformative odyssey. Today, we're privileged to hear Melanie's story, navigating through these towering peaks. She shares how adversity drove her into the mountains, where untamed landscapes offered solace and tests of resilience. The Seven Summits beckon with their daunting heights across continents - from Aconcagua in South America to Everest in Asia. If these peaks initially seem insurmountable, know that Melanie's journey teaches us otherwise. This episode is for anyone who's glanced at this list and felt doubt creep in. Here's the truth: YES, you can. Find Melanie: IG Flickr (photos of her adventures) Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube

How we feel about ourselves, and what we believe we can accomplish, drive just about every decision in our lives. If you are hardwired to tell yourself "I really can't do that... I don't have what it takes" - then this is the episode for you. Self esteem, especially in women, can feel like it is at arms length and impossible to reach. Let's rewrite that narrative with Gwendolyn, from the Good Is In The Details podcast. Go do everything you think is "out of reach." Find Gwendolyn: Good Is In The Details IG Gwendolyn's IG Web Spotify Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG TikTok Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

Mindset is everything in endurance sports. If you think to yourself - "I cannot do this, it is too hard" - guess what, that is not factual. That is your imposter syndrome talking. Your body can go a lot longer, and a lot harder, than your mind will allow you to believe. So... move around that hurdle. Need help? How about a mindset coach? Courtney chats with Shannon Vit, a mindset coach for athletes. We cover how she helps athletes perform at their very best and overcome mental barriers, learn emotional regulation, resilience, and so much more. Let's level up. Find Shannon: IG Her business - Unified Wellness LinkedIn Facebook Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

Cycling from Alaska to Argentina may seem like something a "normal" person could never do... but James Benson King is here to tell you - it IS something that YOU can do. Endrance cycling is not for the faint of heart, but around here we are brave and do things we aren't "qualified" for all the time. So, go find a cause that lights a fire in you and do something you never thought you could. Right after you listen to James' experience with cycling across continents for a cause close to him, of course. Find James: IG - James IG - Cardiac Risk In The Young Facebook Cardiac Risk In The Young GoFundMe Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

Becoming a runner is the beginning of many people's journey into becoming active. It is approachable, and has a low startup cost - (sometimes) you buy some running shoes, and you literally head out the door or jump on an (ideally not moving yet) treadmill and get to setting one foot in front of the other in a faster fashion than you usually do. Running is the gateway to fitness for so many people. But WHERE does one start when they want to begin their journey with a bit more structure? Well, howabout a running club? Courtney chats with Beth, founder of Running Evolution, a running group and business with a ton of resources in the Seattle area. There are options if you are not in Seattle as well, so this is for YOU too! If you want a structured plan for a "couch to 5K plan", or if you really just want a buddy to cry with when those miles really hit you hard, running clubs are where its at. Find Beth: IG Website Couch To 5K Club Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

Our minds are weak - we want to take the easy way out. We don't want to suffer. If we want to pursue endurance sports, we need to learn more about this weakness, and learn how to work with it and, sometimes, around it. Join Courtney as she chats with Rafael Hidalgo, finisher of the 100 mile UTMB course in Chamonix, France, about what it takes to become an ultra runner and compete on one of the largest running stages in the world. Let's become smarter than our brains. Find Rafael: IG YouTube Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

Hello, Imposters! Welcome to a special episode - the first solo episode of the You're Not Qualifed podcast. Courtney walks through her mountaineering experience to date, lessons learned and stories about her trials by fire. From Mt. Saint Helens to Ecuador, development of physical and mental strength have been equally necessary to hone, but have been often elusive. A theme has also emerged... there will be tears. Let's go climb mountains. Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

Resilience is a tough state of mind to master. The ability to suffer well through pain, fear, adversity, and uncertainty can be incredibly hard to understand and learn. It is not impossible to hone these skills - though, guidance through the tumultuous landscape of learning resilience is worth its weight in gold. Bo Bergen, host of the Lead To Win Podcast, joins Courtney to dive deep into what it means to pursue greatness. Explore your pain cave. Find Bo: Pocast: Lead To Win - Apple - Spotify - YouTube Twitter (X) Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

Imposters, a New Year is upon us. THANK YOU for an amazing 2023 - this podcast grew a lot last year and I have you to thank for that. I hope that you are going after everything that scares you, and you are BRINGING that energy into 2024. Today's episode is all about tackling your goals and creating the life of your dreams within 5 years. Aliki Simone breaks down goal setting into three phases that are all part of building the life of your dreams. If you are seeking change, concrete and incredible change, this is the episode for you. You CAN conquer all of your goals in this new year. Find Aliki: Buy her book: "Conquer Your Summit: How To Build A Five-Year Plan And Live Your Best Life" Website Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

HAPPY NEW YEAR! My gift to you: this timely bonus episode. Imposters, if you have thought for a long time (maybe even your whole life?) that you were "not a runner" and "could never do that" when tackled by the thought of running more than a couple of miles... think again. The city of marathon runners has a small population - but that is just because so many people do not know or believe what they are capable of. After this episode, you will no longer be one of those people. Join Courtney as she chats with Sean Robinson in this bonus episode to get you primed and ready for your New Year New You pursuits. You are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for. Find Sean: Buy his book: "Going Dry" IG Website YouTube Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

There are really no places in life that we are safe from the feeling of not being qualified, or good enough - the job search is no exception. However, just like there are tools to overcome imposter syndrome in your personal life, there are tools to overcome imposter syndrome while searching for a job. "Just start" - yea, it's cliche, but we break this down -- and much more -- in this very valuable episode about searching and landing your next job. Join Courtney as she chats with Annie Margarita Yang, author of "The 5 Day Job Search", and your advocate - she will lead you to the job of your dreams. Also, Imposters, Annie is awesome and she is giving you all a 10% discount on her book - visit her website to purchase (https://www.annieyangfinancial.com/) and use code: QUALIFIED at checkout. Find Annie: Email: annie@annieyangfinancial.com Website IG LinkedIn YouTube Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

Do you support friends who run marathons while doubting that you would ever have "what it takes" to run a marathon? Do you doubt your ability to complete a notoriously difficult hike near where you live? Do you fear you will not be able to outrun the zombies during the inevitable invasion? (let's just hope they're more "Shawn Of the Dead" and less "28 Days Later", eh?) I have a counter thought for you - you CAN do the physical activities you are avoiding due to fear of failure, or fear of not having what it takes (seriously, what even is that). You can hone your mental and physical skills to perform in incredible ways. And I am here to help you get there. And outrun the zombies in the apocolypse. Imposters, welcome to the new series of the YNQ pod - Endurance Series. I will share my stories and other people will share their stories about pushing their mind and body beyond what they thought they were capable of in the mountains, in tough races... whatever looks too hard for the "average folks" - which is not you. Extreme endurance sports are for you - I promise. We are kicking it off with an encore of Lisa Thompson's episode - the second American woman to summit K2 and a personal hero of mine. Go climb that mountain.

Changing your life overnight is something we see in movies.. we don't see it IRL often - in fact, rarely. Though, it is MUCH more accessible than we are led to believe. Do you have a great idea for a product that brings joy / solves a problem / fills a gap / brings you to life with inspiration? Make the prototype. And hit the ground running on the way to licensing your idea. You just have to start. I would wager that you probably are reading this and saying to yourself - "there's no way I have a good enough idea to actually make money off of" - but Stephen Key, the founder of InventRight and one of the world's leading experts on product licensing, is here to talk you into your next move and out of your self doubt. Go after it, because you can. Find Stephen: Email: stephenkey@inventright.com YouTube Website Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

It is August. People are getting ready to go back to school, or begin school. People are also likely stuggling with finishing or deciding to start college. Just know, that the only "right" answer is the answer that makes sense for the future you want to have. This is your life. You CAN finish college 10 (++?) years after you started. You can skip that college degree altogether. Friends, Imposters - if you have not yet finished your college degree and it has been well beyond four years since you started; OR if you are determining your future and struggling because you are pressured to pursue college but that might not be the best path for you - this is the episode for you. Brian Howard, host of "Unfiltered Discussions", joins us on this episode. He shares his story - the challenges he faced in high school and leading to college, his timeline for finishing, and his thoughts on the value and importance of understanding what it is *you* want, and not what someone else wants. Let's talk about it. Find Brian: IG "Unfiltered Discussions" Podcast Facebook Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

If you exist right now, chances are you have met someone who has been laid off from their job, or maybe you have been laid off from your job within the last few years. Layoffs are a b**ch, but they are not your fault. They can feel like an impossibly low point to come back from - will you recover? The answer is YES, undeniably yes... it takes some planning and patience and self-love. All things you have within you. Lauren Kwedar Cockerell is here to help you navigate this difficult time, and provide a solid launching pad of advice to jump off of. She is President at Kwedar & Co., and has overcome a layoff before while 8 months pregnant. She built an amazing company and brand after being laid off; she is absolutely thriving and wants you to thrive too. In fact, she knows you can. Layoffs are not the end. Sometimes they are just the beginning. Find Lauren: IG LinkedIn Lauren's LinkedIn Website Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website YouTube Threads - @ynqpod

Following your dreams and passions can seem daunting - it could feel that you have no time to pursue what it is you want to do. Do you want to sail around the world? Do you want to learn coding and become a software developer? You CAN. And Liz Shipton, author, former software developer now educational writer, and full time sailor, joins to share her story of pursuing her dreams and goals. Plan, take small steps and medium steps and large steps, and believe in yourself and your abilities. You WILL get there. Find Liz: IG TikTok Website Books (14 Titles!) Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

Look... you were likely once told that your life would begin in secondary / high school, or college. That your development as a person was dependent on pursuing these academic paths set before you. I am here to encourage you to rewrite that narrative, and take your growth and passion into your own hands. Where do YOU want to go? Matias Sørevik is a passionate Norwegian leadership coach. Matias helps guide young adults who have dropped out of school (a whopping 30% of young adults leave school prematurely, without qualifications in Norway) to find their passions and pursue their future confidently. These young people feel overwhelmed and like their options are limited; Matias is helping these people grow and disregard their perceived limitations. He is shaping the future generations of Norway, and we can learn so much from him. Rewrite your narrative. Find Matias: IG LinkedIn Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

If I know very little about one thing... it is running or owning a restaurant. It got me thinking - what makes one actually qualified to own a restaurant, and how do you learn those details that would make you qualified? So I asked a restaurateur, Paddy McMurray, who also happens to be the Guinness World Record holder for oyster shucking. Spoiler alert - he also feels he isn't fully qualified to do what he does. But we will let you be the judge. Just say 'yes'. Find Paddy: IG Web Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

Bonus episodes are the best. I couldn't hold this one in, so you get it early! Artificial intelligence (AI) is the future, and it is our current reality in a lot of different mediums. AI will continue to develop and it is said it will replace many jobs humans do today. The reality is daunting and you might be feeling very overwhelmed by even thinking of digesting what this all means for humanity. Ayush is here to encourage you to move past the overwhelm and embrace what AI could mean (and likely does mean) for your future. Just because you're not qualified doesn't mean that you are not able. Find Ayush: Buy his book: "AI For Gen Z: Data To Stop Disruption" DM him for a PDF of his book, then get the heck off social: LinkedIn IG TikTok Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

You want to change the world with your disruptive business idea. However, you're concerned about making your mortgage while pursuing good. Do I have that right? You don't have to choose between profit or purpose. You can have both, with gain in spades. Don't believe me? Okay. You can trust Chase - he leads companies in this not-as-lofty-as-we-might-think endeavor as Founder and CEO of Vanquish Media Group. And he does a hell of a good job. Profit and Purpose are yours for the taking. Find Chase: Web IG LinkedIn Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

Cancer is a lifechanging experience - it does not discriminate and can impact anyone from any walk of life. However, it does not deserve to stop your life. Sure, it can and probably will slow your progress in life, but it has no say in your accomplishments and what you are capable of. Also, whether or not you studied science, you can create your own scientific business. These two facts are what we discuss today with Jeff Bevin, childhood cancer survivor and beard-care brand owner. He also has ADHD and has a superhuman child as well. He doesn't let anyone but himself define him or determine the heights he can reach, and neither should you. You are superhuman - don't let anyone tell you differently. Find Jeff: Web - Affect Beard Care IG - Affect IG - Jeff Bevan Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

People will tell you you are not capable of doing something, even though it is none of their business and even when you are in fact very capable (you absolutely are). People with physical disabalities are often, falsely, believed to be not as capable as those people without physical disabilities. Ray McAllister PhD is completely blind, but he lives a life of independence and fulfillment. The thing is, this shouldn't be surprising to people, but to many people it is surprising. Ray wrote a book, Wingless, to show the world what it is like to be differently abled than other people. Ray wants to do things that are hard and thrives in learning environments. Go do that thing, even if you are physically disabled. Find Ray: Books: Buy Wingless Buy Prayer From A to Z Buy The Blind Dream Chaser All three books here Poems: "Your Wings" Origami Sanctuary Display Join weekly poem email list: Email raymcal@att.net YouTube link with handstand videos, etc. Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

The future of the world is uncertain. The young adults of today have A LOT riding on them; not only are they dealing with the tribulations of growing up, as we all did, they are dealing with growing up in a world where navigating the future is not as clear as it used to be. Though, not to be a pessimist -- there is a lot of beauty ahead, as well as serious potential. Eddie Mazariegos is a startup founder and brother of a member of Gen Z. Eddie is on a mission to help others like his brother discover who they are and how they want to contribute to the world. He had to pave this path forward while being pushed in other directions, and he wants to share his story with us all. Get inspired - and go start that company. Find Eddie: Web Eddie's IG Future Gen IG LinkedIn Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

There are barriers to entry for many people who are labeled "different" - that is, not your white straight neurotypical male (it is not a lie). Neurodivergent people are not an exception to this. Autistic, people with ADD, ADHD, Anxiety... etc. do not have the same opportunities presented to them to grow their career. Mentra, and Shea Belsky, are on a mission to change this reality. You are qualified to have that job you want, even as a neurodivergent person. There is a seat at the table for you. Find Shea: Web: Mentra, Shea LinkedIn IG: Mentra, Shea Belsky Email: shea@mentra.me Super Powers Mentorship / Consulting found here Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

Mountaineering requires strength and endurance that we are just not sure we have until we are tested. The mountains bring out the best in us, don't get me wrong -- but they bring it out in an environment that literally kills people. We can learn so much from the mountains. Danger looms, and adventure calls. Will you answer? You are qualified to pursue the mountains. Join Lisa Thompson as she tells us about believing in herself and honing unwavering courage in the most challenging moments of her life. We can learn so much from her. One step in front of the other. Find Lisa: Web IG Alpine Athletics, Lisa's Coaching Business Buy her book, "Finding Elevation", Here and Here Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

CALLING ALL WOMEN: Do you think you are paid enough in your current role? Be honest... It's no, isn't it. It is probably a no. Do you want to make $30K MORE?! Yes, of course you do. This is the episode for you. Mia Smithson is the Founder and CEO of The 30K Program, a coaching business dedicated to leveling up women in the workforce, landing them $30K more than they were paid in their last role. Women learn to negotiate, package their skills, and how to advocate for themselves. Most importantly, they are encouraged to believe they are worthy of the money. So often, women feel they are not qualified to go after higher paying jobs or jobs that seem way out of their skill set. This belief is valid, based on the societies millions of women live in, but it is not reality. Mia is here to show you the truth and encourage you to go for everything you dream of. Get uncomfortable. Find Mia: IG The 30K Program Co-Founder Matching website Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

Have you ever wanted to travel the world? Have you ever wanted to put a 9-5 aside for years and travel with your significant other and your dog, or maybe even solo with your dog? Here is your sign to do it. Figure out some logistics, sure, but go ahead and drive off into the sunset without looking back (except to pass safely, that is). On this episode we chat with Jess Stone. Jess is traveling all over the world to raise money for "Girl Up", with her German Shepherd, Moxie, and her husband. She is the definition of 'badass' and pursuing your goals and dreams, even if they scare you and even if you want to give up sometimes. Focus on where you want to go and strap (your dog) in... let's go. Keep your eyes on what you want to achieve. Find Jess: Web (to donate to Girl Up and to purchase Ruffly gear) Ruffly-specific donate LINK for Girl Up (can also donate from website above) IG Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

Welcome to Season 3, Imposters! Wowza it is great to be back. I hope you did all sorts of things you were afraid to do while this pod was on a break. We are ringing in Season 3 with a talented and incredible artist - the owner of S.T.CAO Ceramics, Steph Cao. Steph left her 9-5 job a few years ago to pursue her ceramic art full time and hasn't looked back. She didn't study art, and though she loved playing with clay as a young human, she didn't find her way to it full time until she was an adult. There were many reasons for this, but one lesson reigns true: believe you can and just do it. Find Steph: Website IG Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

Friends, Imposters -- this is the episode of all episodes to end a season. Resume writing, job applying, confidence building for said resume writing and job applying, are nerve-wracking endeavors. But I'll let you in on a secret: we are all nervous and it is just a game that you can learn to play. Julie Mendelson is here to prove that to you and offer sage advice. Julie is a corporate senior recruiter and freelance career advisor. She has been in these roles for years and knows her way around a great resume and interview experience, so I think we can trust her advice. We chat about what makes a great resume, debunk some TikTok myths, the importance of highlighing transferable skills (there it is again!), how being open and confident will get you SO far, and much more. Also that anxiety just rules our lives so let's embrace it, yea? It's all a game. Let's learn how to play it. Find Julie: IG - professional IG - personal LinkedIn Find "Skills- The Common Denominator" Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

You know that narrative you were taught about yourself, probably when you were really young, that you now know is false but you still hold onto? Get rid of it. Yes, that one. Get it out of here, it has no place with you now. You can reinvent yourself and become a version of yourself that better serves the life you want to lead. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Join Courtney as she chats with Trina Wilcox, the founder and owner of RunRadio.net - an internet radio station that highlights independent artists and their work. Musicians, authors, entrepreneurs, you name it. Trina and Courtney chat about the boom of computers, leaning into fear and at times uncomfortable growth, transferrable skills (there it is again!), and so much more. Be it until you see it. Find Trina: Run Radio Website Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

Look, I am not saying an MBA might be a waste of your time and an egregious waste of your money... well.. MAYBE - BUT I know it is the best choice for many people. BUT on the other side, it is NOT the best choice for a great many other people who want to grow in business, especially as a Product Manager. This episode explores the depths of why this is true, and why a degree may also be valuable - it depends on what it is you want. Join Courtney as she chats with Richard Dyer, a law student turned Product Manager. He taught himself SQL, and pivoted that into analytics, and that into product. You can learn and work hard and get where you want to go. Promise. And if you don't believe me, believe Richard. No hard feelings. Psst.. don't believe everything you think. Find Richard: LinkedIn Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

Did you know that you can train dogs to be used as conservation detectives? That's right - dogs that are trained to find endangered species, whether that be from the scat or actual parts of the animal. We know dogs are amazing, but I feel like I haven't even scratched the surface of their capabilities. Join Courtney as she chats with Kayla Fratt for the second and final episode of the "Nonprofit Founder" series - she trains dogs for K9 Conservationists, a nonprofit organization she founded and now runs with two other women. We talk about how competetive conservation is, being fired and turning that into an opportunity to start your own business, the parallels between nonprofits and for-profit startups, thinking like a man to help you succeed (yes I cringed too, but we talk about why this is true), and so much more. Get outside of your comfort zone. Find Kayla: k9conservationists.org Podcast: k9conservationists - where you get your podcasts FB IG Collies Without Borders IG and YouTube Twitter (just Kayla) Find Courtney Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

Welcome back, Imposters, to the second minisode of the pod! Once a month, the last Tuesday of the month during the YNQ Pod season, myself and a guest will read your stories about imposter syndrome in your own life and how you've overcome obstacles. Maybe you were once actually told you're not good enough or qualified enough for a job or project, or passion you were trying to pursue. I want to hear about your experiences and celebrate you - you can and will overcome anything set in front of you. If you would like to have your email read, please reach out! ynqpod@gmail.com is the place. Today's minisode features one of my closest friends, Maria Xu. Maria is trained in classical music and was a cellist since the YOUNG age of six years old. She has navigated many a leaps into different avenues of careers, including a layoff, and has landed in tech. Maria and I read an email from a listener who took a layoff and turned it into a 6-figure business venture and she is absolutely killing it. There's a theme here - layoffs derail your life in many ways. To say they can be an opportunity to grow is a cliche and undermines the impact they have on a person's mental health. But they can be a jumping point to pick the pieces up and become a better version of yourself, and there is possibility in the midst of chaos. You write the story. Find Maria: LinkedIn Find Courtney: Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter Submit your listener stories about navigating imposter syndrome! DM me, or shoot me an email - links above

Have you considered leaving your cushy, comfortable 9-5 job for a lifestyle you yearn for, but you just aren't quite sure you're capable of taking the leap? This is the episode for you. And take this as your sign - BUT, don't leap into the darkness without a flashlight. That is how you get lost or fall off a cliff - things we don't want. What we DO want is success after that leap. If you're nodding your head, then you should press "play". I encourage you to take that leap, and do it wisely. What do I mean by wisely? You just have to listen to find out what this week's guest, Andrew Zhimer, has to say, and sage advice he has to share about leaping and kicking ass in your new endeavor. Trust the process and move forward. Find Andrew: IG LinkedIn Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

We are back on it, Imposters - another episode about whales. While the topic of whales warms my heart on its own, nonprofit work warms my heart like a furnace and we are here to talk all about it (especially if that nonprofit is focused on conservation...) Courtney chats with Whitney Neugebauer - nonprofit founder of an organization called Whale Scout. They chat about the obstacles faced in starting a nonprofit, the amazing engineering ability of beavers, hiring interns, Lower Snake River Dam removal, surviving on nonprofit income, the plight of the Southern Resident Killer Whales, and much more. This will be Part 1 of a two-parter covering founding nonprofits - buckle up and let's save some animals. Find Whitney and Whale Scout: whalescout.org Facebook IG TikTok Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter Take action for Lower Snake River Dam removal: change.org Columbia River Keeper Alexandra Morton - has dedicated 30 years of her life to the whales - Alexandra's book - Not On My Watch

I advocate for jumping to a company that will give you the raise you deserve - a raise that might be very hard to come by if you stay in the company you are currently at. Though, there is a flip side to that, and advantage to actually staying and working your way up at the company you are at. That discussion deserves its own episode, so here we are! Join Courtney as she chats with Lindsay Abila about staying at a company and working your way up to your ideal position. Lindsay did it - and she SLAYED. It is hard, it is a long road, it is grueling, BUT it is rewarding for many reasons. And doable for many reasons. We talk about it all. Plus hot sauce. And dogs. JOIN US. And then go do that thing. Find Lindsay: LinkedIn Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

College has been in the headlines a lot lately, mostly because of the $10k student loan forgiveness plan that President Biden announced. I think it should be in the headlines a lot more with a philisophical tone: Should you or should you not go to college? The answer: NO. Kidding. The answer is, it depends on what you want to do with your life and your career. And if you have already commited to college and finished or almost finished and are not sure you want to stay in the field of study you chose, that is okay and you are not stuck. Trust Dr. Zakiya Akerele - she wrote a book on it. And we created this podcast episode to help you understand your options after, before, and during college. So listen up, and then go read "Dump Your Degree: How to Repurpose Your Education, Control Your Career, and Gain Financial Freedom". Then go do that thing. Find Dr. Zakiya: Book IG Website TikTok About Dr. Zakiya: Dr. Zakiya Akerele is an Atlanta-based educator, author, and speaker who found an early passion in academic pursuits hoping to use them to improve herself and the world around her. She sought higher education with full force, obtaining degrees from Florida A&M University (B.A.), Columbia University (Ed.M.), and Fordham University (M.A. and Ph.D.) in International Education, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. Dr. Akerele has served in various capacities at higher education institutions and at social justice, political, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) both in the U.S. and abroad. Her new book, Dump Your Degree, is a timely and invaluable resource for anyone seeking guidance on navigating higher education, developing their career, and having financial security. Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

Well if it isn't the shorter episode I've been promising and never delivering on... Welcome back, Imposters! Once a month, myself and a guest will read one, two or maybe even three of your stories about imposter syndrome in your own life and how you've overcome obstacles. Maybe you were once actually told you're not good enough or qualified enough for a job or project, or passion you were trying to pursue. I want to hear about your experiences and celebrate you - you can and will overcome anything set in front of you. Today's minisode features my good friend Steph Chinn, with whom I worked with at a startup in Seattle for a couple of years. After this interview about her experience navigating the tech world I am pretty confident there is nothing that this badass woman cannot do. Along with Steph's journey, we chat about navigating the world of corporate cannabis, and how taboo and misconceptions can unfairly shape someone's journey while navigating growth in the industry. I hope you're inspired by these stories. Listen first, then go do that thing. "Women Grow - Jane West: Cannabis Cured My Imposter Syndrome" talk: YouTube Find Steph: IG LinkedIn Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter Submit your listener stories about navigating imposter syndrome! DM me, or shoot me an email - links above

For this second episode of Season 2 Courtney chats with Jesse Butts about his two pursuits he is very much so qualified and unqualified for: Director level of Content Marketing and Podcast founder and host of the The Work Seminar, a podcast for people with liberal arts advanced degrees (MAs, MFAs, and PhDs, mostly) considering work outside of their fields of study without any career coaching experience or certifications. (does that sound at all familiar... Bueller?) Make a niche for yourself. Know your North Star. Develop a career that serves you and GO FOR IT even if you don't have the traditional background to do "it". Find Jesse: The Work Seminar Podcast LinkedIn Website Find Courtney: Email: ynqpod@gmail.com IG Website Twitter

Season 2, we are here! Welcome back, Imposters, to the You're Not Qualified podcast. Season 2 will be very fun and I can't think of a better way to kick it off than talking about toxicology, science and science-fiction writing, mad cow disease, writing to fuflill your needs, and so much more. Join Courtney as she chats with Alan Kolok, PhD Professor with a toxicology discipline and wealth of knowledge on all things pandemic, biology, and very famous American singer-songwriters. Yea, we cover it all. You are more than welcome to reinvent yourself whenever you want. In fact, it's encouraged. Find Alan: Alan's first science fiction novel, Twist: https://www.amazon.com/Twist-Alan-S-Kolok/dp/1643071645 Email: akolok@uidaho.edu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-kolok-08657a29/ Find Courtney: Website: https://www.yourenotqualifiedpodcast.com/ IG: @ynqpod Email: ynqpod@gmail.com Twitter: @ynqpodcast

LAST EPISODE OF SEASON 1! Friends, the day is upon us - the 25th episode of the You're Not Qualified podcast. 25 hours (ish) of inspirational stories of overcoming imposter syndrome; way more info than you ever wanted to know about my life; fun, heavy, light, encouraging and engaging conversation -- 25 hours of talking with incredible humans who will forever be an inspiration to me and I hope to you as well. This week's human is no exception to that class of inspiration. Join Courtney as she chats with Adam Koren, a financial and productivity coach with a Liberal Arts and far-from financial background. He discovered a niche of the financial industry that is not as populated as it should be, grasped onto it to grow a business, and found immense passion and happiness. He has so much wisdom to share with the world, and I am stoked that we captured a sliver of it here. Don't wait for the life you want to happen to you. Grasp it and lead it. Find Adam: WEB: https://adamkoren.com/ Find Courtney: WEB: https://www.yourenotqualifiedpodcast.com/ IG: @ynqpod Twitter: @ynqpodcast Email: ynqpod@gmail.com

Life can be very tough sometimes, eh? None of us are immune to struggle and it impacts each of us in differing ways. There are many different tools you can store in your toolbox to pull out when you are in an anxiety spiral, depressive episode, or overall funk. These tools range from licensed therapists (yay!), psychiatrists (yay!), friends (

Audio dramas have been around for decades (you will have to listen to this episode to know exactly how long.. or Google it but I would rather you listen just saying) but they haven't been done quite like this before. The Icarus Complex audio drama is the story of a young black man's journey through life and [mostly] love. It is set in the 90's, so expect that sweet, sweet nostalgia of simpler times that we just had no clue were simpler but I promise if I can go back I will appreciate them more. Promise! Take me back! Courtney chats with Linden, the master mind behind this episodic, raw tale of Liam - a sometimes all-too-familiar young man making his way definitely not unscathed through love. Linden was turned away, a lot, when shopping his idea for this story. He forged ahead and believed in himself, which has paid off and landed him on UK Audio Drama Billboards. We are here to tell you - you should believe in yourself, too. Let's go make history. Find Linden: IG: https://www.instagram.com/icaruscomplexpodcast/ Podcast: (wherever you get your podcasts, but here's a couple links):Spotify Amazon Music Find Courtney: IG: @ynqpod Twitter: @ynqpodcast TikTok: @ynqpod WEB: https://www.yourenotqualifiedpodcast.com/ Email: ynqpod@gmail.com

I have a little secret for you: talent, skills, and success are not defined by a college degree - they aren't even always formed by a college degree. Let that sink in. But before you throw your $100k plus degree paper out the window and scream at me, hear me out. A degree can absolutely help you. If college isn't the path for you, you can still be successful without it. Kevin Palmieri joins Courtney today on the 22nd episode of the You're Not Qualified podcast. He is co host, founder, and CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of Next Level University, a multi 6-figure, global top 100 podcast. He developed his business and his business presence from the ground up; he helps others do the same on their own podcast journeys. The topics in this episode are poignant and really cut to the heart. Kevin gives a no bullshit love approach to coaching, and to his advice in this episode. Let's see if you really have what it takes. (you probably do, trust.) Find Kevin: WEB: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/about/ IG: @neverquitkid LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-palmieri-5b7736160/ Find Courtney: WEB: https://www.yourenotqualifiedpodcast.com/ IG: @ynqpod Twitter: @ynqpodcast Email: ynqpod@gmail.com

Artificial Intelligence (Ai) is making waves in the world and marine life is in a better situation because of it (not because of the 'waves' but also because of the waves, ya know?) Terrestrial life is pretty happy about it, too. Are you sitting there thinking that Ai seems like a pretty cool industry to be in but you have no business being there? Well then this is the episode for you because you're wrong. Fact: we can't afford to filter out ideas in Ai or Conservation from people of non-traditional backgrounds. Let's talk about it. Join Courtney as she chats with Jason Holmberg, Executive Director and Director of Engineering at WildMe, where conservation meets machine learning and holy cow it is COOL. Chase your dreams and open those doors you think are locked to you. Find Jason: EMAIL: jason@wildme.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/holmbergius Find Courtney: EMAIL: ynqpod@gmail.com IG and TikTok: @ynqpod Twitter: @ynqpodcast WEB: https://www.yourenotqualifiedpodcast.com/

Artificial Intelligence, or as the cool kids say - AI - is a big part of our present and an even bigger part of our future in the world. Let's talk about it. Join Courtney and Tanya Stere for the 20th (!!!) episode of the You're Not Qualified Podcast. Tanya does not have an AI background - she has a technical writing background and is definitely traditionally not qualified and we get deep into that. Tanya works at WildMe, an AI Tech Conservation company focused on helping those studying species' conservation work more efficiently and effectively together, and work quicker on their respective passions. This leads to faster evolution in the world of conservation and consequently more animals saved. Win win, win - eh? Find Tanya: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-stere-2ab25510b/ WildMe Team Page: https://www.wildme.org/#/team Email: tstere@wildme.org Find Courtney: IG: @ynqpod TikTok: @ynqpod Twitter: @ynqpodcast Email: ynqpod@gmail.com Website: yourenotqualifiedpodcast.com

Did you know that Germany is reinstating citizenship for descendants of those impacted by the holocaust? Jeff Nosanov is making a film about it, Article 116 - Beyond Citizenship. Of course, there are no amends that can be made to make up for the atrocities of that time period. However, the nation is expressing regret in the way they can and we talk all about it in this interview. Join Courtney and Jeff as they talk about parallels between WWII and the current war in Ukraine, making a documentary with literally no experience, and ways we can all get closer to our ancestry. Also maybe not ever having children because then I can't be number one anymore (I'm selfish it's okay). This is a must-listen episode. Let's go make that film. Find Jeff: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jnosanov/ Find Courtney: IG: @ynqpod TikTok: @ynqpod Twitter: @ynqpodcast WEB: https://www.yourenotqualifiedpodcast.com/ Email: ynqpod@gmail.com